Pubs are investing in higher-quality garden furniture these days, not only as a result of the smoking ban but because customers expect a little more comfort outdoors. This raises the issue of security. Garden furniture and other outdoor equipment is a tempting target for thieves - and it's surprising what some people will steal.So how can publicans make sure their expensive investment is safe?
Rex Atkins, development director at security firm Sterling, says the ideal solution of locking it all away at night isn't always practical.
"One of the reasons that garden furniture doesn't get locked away is that it is heavy, and there can be a lot of it. This makes it a chore, especially at the end of a long day.
"A better way is to lock it all together with security cables," he advises. "This makes it much more difficult and awkward for a thief to walk off with, and it can all be done with one click."
Physical security used to be all about big padlocks, but recently companies such as Sterling have been making more lifestyle-based products that make the job easier for people such as licensees.These products include double-loop cables and chains that can be linked through furniture and equipment and then secured with a strong padlock.
They can also be combined with security anchors - tough metal fixings that can be bolted into the ground or onto a wall. Cables can then be passed through them for maximum security.Many people already use similar products in their gardens to protect expensive garden furniture, barbecues or lawnmowers.
"Cables and anchors are aimed at the domestic market, for people who have spent a long day in the garden and don't want to have to carry each piece of furniture inside," Rex explains. "But we think that they could also be the answer for hardworking bar and waiting staff clearing up after a long shift.
"The easier it is for tired employees to make sure everything is secure, the more likely it is that nothing will be missed." There are a number of products available that can make locking up easier. These range from security cables with a protective sleeving that help to protect paintwork or expensive finishes, to heavy-duty chains.
Weatherproof padlocks and stainless steel disc padlocks are another big favourite for securing outside equipment. For anyone worried about losing keys, you can buy packs of padlocks, all of which take the same key, or there are many combination padlocks available.However, Rex has some advice for anyone shopping for 'lifestyle security'."Before you buy any security product, make sure it doesn't just look good but is effective too," he says. "For example, there are now a lot of cables on the market which have a core made with twisted, rather than braided, steel. "These look similar and can be cheaper, but what it means is that the steel content can be as much as 48 per cent lower. And that means your valuable furniture is less secure."